Protective case having plurality of external connectors

ABSTRACT

A case for use with a portable electronic device includes a shell, an internal electrical connector, and first and second external electrical connectors. The internal electrical connector is accessible at the interior surface of the shell and adapted for electrically interfacing to a port of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is inserted into the shell. The first external electrical connector is accessible at the exterior surface of the shell and adapted for conducting first electrical signals from the inserted portable electronic device through the internal electrical connector and through the first external electrical connector to a first external electrical device. The second external electrical connector is accessible at the exterior surface of the shell and adapted for conducting second electrical signals from a second external electrical device to the inserted portable electronic device through the second external electrical connector and through the internal electrical connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/401,742, filed Jan. 9, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/289,414, filed Feb. 1, 2016, allof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to cases, covers, and/or encasements forelectronic devices. More specifically, the present application relatesto cases, covers, and/or encasements having a plurality of electricalconnectors for electrically connecting external devices to an electronicdevice installed in the case, cover, or encasement.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices are commonly used for communication andentertainment purposes. Portable electronic devices include devices suchas smartphones, cellular phones, mobile communication devices,computers, portable computing devices, mobile computing devices, tabletcomputers, cameras, video players, smart watches, audio players,electronic media readers, two-way radios, global positioning satellite(GPS) devices, and/or other types of electronic computing orcommunication devices, including combinations thereof. Cases, protectivecases, covers, protective covers, enclosures, or encasements aresometimes used with these types of electronic devices in order toprotect the devices from damage due to exposure to shock, impact,dropping, puncture, dust, dirt, water, snow, rain, mud, chemicals,and/or other potentially damaging forces or elements. The term “case” isused herein to refer to any type of case, cover, protective case,protective cover, enclosure, encasement, shell, or combination thereof.Cases are also sometimes used to supplement the functionality of anelectronic device and/or to change the aesthetics of the electronicdevice.

Electronic devices are commonly powered by one or more internalbatteries or other power sources. Batteries enable electronic devices tobe used in a portable manner and/or without being tethered to a powersource. These batteries are often rechargeable. Electronic devices withmore features, such as larger displays and/or more computing power,typically consume the available power even more quickly. When anelectronic device's battery is exhausted, the device may become unusableuntil the battery can be recharged or until the device can be connectedto another battery or a power source, such as a wall outlet. Batterycapacity for electronic devices may become an issue due to factors suchas power requirements of the electronic device, extended usage of theelectronic device, physical space constraints of the internal battery,power requirements of peripherals attached to the electronic device,temperature extremes, unavailability of a power source for charging,decreased battery capacity due to aging of the battery, decreasedbattery life due to the number of charge/discharge cycles the batteryhas endured, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Thesefactors can reduce the usefulness of the electronic device because usageof the device between recharges may be limited and the user may have todiscontinue use of the device due to a depleted battery until anexternal power source is located.

In some situations, a user may separately carry a spare battery for theelectronic device. The spare battery can be used as a replacement for adischarged battery. While carrying a spare battery enables the user touse the device again without having to find a charging source, swappingbatteries has drawbacks. First, the user must remember to carry thespare battery(s), in addition to the electronic device. Second, the usermust remember to keep the spare battery in a charged state in case it isneeded. Third, replacing an exhausted battery, or swapping an exhaustedbattery out of the electronic device for charging purposes, typicallyrequires that the device be shut down, restarted, and/or rebooted. Thisprocess is often inconvenient and typically results in temporary loss ofuse, communication, and/or data. Finally, when a charging source isavailable, the various batteries must be swapped into and out of theelectronic device in order to charge them, unless a separatehost-charging device is available for the extra battery.

As electronic devices become smaller and/or more complex, their externalelectrical interfaces may also become smaller, more complex, and/orfurther integrated. In some situations, manufacturers of electronicdevices may include multiple functions within a single electricalinterface or within a smaller number of electrical interfaces on theelectronic device. In some situations, the electrical interface may beproprietary from an electrical, mechanical, and/or protocol standpoint.Newer types and styles of connectors may make it difficult for users toconnect the electronic devices to legacy peripherals or external devicesthat do not have connectors compatible with the newer electricalinterface(s) on the electronic device.

Improved cases, protective cases, covers, and/or encasements forelectronic devices which solve these and other problems are desirable.

SUMMARY

In one example, a protective case for an electronic device is provided.The protective case may comprise a protective shell, a first electricalconnector, a second electrical connector, and a third electricalconnector. The protective shell is configured or adapted for receivingthe electronic device and covering at least a portion of the electronicdevice when the electronic device is installed in the protective case.The protective shell includes an interior surface and an exteriorsurface. The first electrical connector is on the interior surface ofthe protective shell and is configured or adapted for electricallyconnecting the protective case to an electrical interface of theelectronic device when the electronic device is installed in theprotective case. The second electrical connector is on the exteriorsurface of the protective shell and is configured or adapted forelectrically connecting a first external electrical device to theinstalled electronic device through the electrical interface of theinstalled electronic device. The second electrical connector iselectrically connected to first electrical connector through electricalcircuitry in the protective case. The third electrical connector is onthe exterior surface of the protective shell and is configured oradapted for electrically connecting a second external electrical deviceto the installed electronic device through the electrical interface ofthe installed electronic device. The third electrical connector iselectrically connected to first electrical connector through theelectrical circuitry.

In some examples, the protective case also includes a power storagedevice, such as a rechargeable battery. Electrical power from the powerstorage device may be supplied to the installed electronic devicethrough the first electrical connector and the electrical interface ofthe installed electronic device. Also, power may be supplied to thepower storage device through one of the electrical connectors and theelectrical circuitry.

In another example, a case for use with a portable electronic deviceincludes a shell, an internal electrical connector, and first and secondexternal electrical connectors. The shell covers at least a portion of ahousing of the portable electronic device when the portable electronicdevice is inserted into the shell. The internal electrical connector isaccessible at the interior surface of the shell and adapted forelectrically interfacing to a port of the portable electronic devicewhen the portable electronic device is inserted into the shell. Thefirst external electrical connector is accessible at the exteriorsurface of the shell and adapted for conducting first electrical signalsfrom the inserted portable electronic device through the internalelectrical connector of the case and through the first externalelectrical connector of the case to a first external electrical deviceelectrically connected to the first external electrical connector of thecase. The second external electrical connector is accessible at theexterior surface of the shell and adapted for conducting secondelectrical signals from a second external electrical device to theinserted portable electronic device through the second externalelectrical connector of the case and through the internal electricalconnector of the case when the second external electrical device iselectrically connected to the second external electrical connector ofthe case.

Various other embodiments and variations of the techniques are alsodisclosed. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still otherembodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description and figures, which describe and showillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative innature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described and explainedthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a protective case and anelectronic device;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front exploded perspective view of a protectivecase;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an electronic device;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a protective case;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a protective case;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a protective case; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a protective case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, various specific details are setforth in order to provide an understanding of and describe theapparatuses and techniques introduced here. However, the techniques maybe practiced without the specific details set forth in these examples.Various alternatives, modifications, and/or equivalents will be apparentto those skilled in the art without varying from the spirit of theintroduced apparatuses and techniques. For example, while theembodiments described herein refer to particular features, the scope ofthis solution also includes embodiments having different combinations offeatures and embodiments that do not include all of the describedfeatures. Accordingly, the scope of the techniques and solutionsintroduced herein are intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims,together with all equivalents thereof. Therefore, the description shouldnot be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined bythe claims.

Some of the cases described herein are described as protective cases.However, the apparatuses and techniques disclosed herein are not to belimited to any particular protective characteristic of the case and maybe applicable to cases, covers, or encasements that do not necessarilyhave protective features or characteristics.

As electronic devices become smaller and/or more complex, theirelectrical interfaces may also become smaller, more complex, and/orintegrated a smaller number of electrical interface, such as into asingle electrical or electromechanical connector. In some situations,manufacturers of electronic devices may include multiple functionswithin a single electrical interface on the electrical device. In somesituations, the electrical interface may be proprietary from anelectrical, mechanical, and/or protocol standpoint. Newer types andstyles of connectors may make it difficult for users to connect theelectronic devices to legacy devices or peripherals that do not haveconnectors compatible with the newer electrical interface(s) on theelectronic device. For example, many electronic devices commonly havesome combination of a power connection, a data connection, and/or anaudio or headphone connection. In many situations, two or more of theseconnections are implemented in separate connectors or electricalinterfaces on the electronic device.

In one specific example, many electronic devices have one electricalinterface for power and/or data connections. Examples of theseelectrical interfaces includes USB connectors, mini USB connectors,micro USB connectors, APPLE LIGHTNING connectors, proprietaryconnectors, and/or other types of connectors. In some examples, thepower connection and the data connection may include two separateelectrical interfaces on the electronic device. Continuing with theexample above, many electronic devices also have additional electricalinterfaces for other functions. One example of this type of additionalelectrical interface is a headphone port or audio signal port which isseparate from the power and/or data electrical interface. Additionalelectrical interfaces and/or types of electrical interfaces onelectronic devices are possible.

As described above, it may be desirable for electronic devicemanufacturers to further consolidate or integrate electrical interfaceson electronic devices. This may be desirable for purposes of making theelectronic device more compact, thinner, have fewer openings, be moreaesthetically pleasing, improve compatibility with other devices, and/orfor other reasons. In one specific example, a power/data electricalinterface may be combined with a headphone electrical interface suchthat a new electronic device has one electrical interface that includesall or some combination of these features. This new electrical interfacemay have new electrical and/or mechanical characteristics that may notbe compatible with legacy external devices or peripherals, such aslegacy headphones or legacy chargers. In other words, a user may have anew electronic device and may wish to use existing chargers, headphones,or other external devices with the electronic device, but may be unableto do so because the electrical interface on the new electronic deviceis electrically and/or mechanically different than previous devices. Inanother example, a user may have an external credit card magnetic stripreader that makes use of a headphone port on the electronic device. Whenthe user obtains a new electronic device that does not have the legacyheadphone port, the user may use one of the cases disclosed herein inorder to continue using his or her existing credit card magnetic stripreader with the electronic device.

The cases disclosed herein resolve this and other problems by providingan electrical connector on an inside surface of the case that interfaceswith the electronic device and branches, splits, separates, and/ordemultiplexes the signals from the single electrical connector out totwo or more electrical connectors on an outside surface of the case. Theelectrical connectors on the outside of the case may be compatible withlegacy or prior external devices. Described in the opposite direction,signals from the two or more electrical connectors on the outside of thecase may be combined, joined, and/or multiplexed together and routed tothe single electrical interface on the inside of the case that iscompatible with and interfaces with the installed electronic device.Even though an electronic device may include a new type of connectorwith integrated functions, the case enables the user to still make useof his or her legacy peripherals, devices, or accessories.

Some existing cases for electronic devices also include supplementalpower devices or power sources for supplying power from the case to theelectronic device. Supplemental power is often provided by one or morerechargeable batteries included in the case. While many of the examplesherein are discussed in the context of single batteries or powersources, it should be understood that the techniques, apparatuses,systems, and methods disclosed herein are also applicable toconfigurations in which more than one power source in the electronicdevice is used and/or more than one supplemental power source in thecase is used. Cases having batteries as supplemental power sources aresometimes generally referred to herein as “battery cases” or “powercases.” The term “battery” is used broadly herein to refer to any typeof electrical and/or chemical energy storage device. A battery or energystorage device may include one or more: rechargeable batteries, fuelcells, capacitors, supercapacitors, alkaline batteries, carbon-zincbatteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium batteries, lithiumion batteries, lithium titanate cells, and/or lithium polymer batteries.A battery or energy storage device may be a single device or can be aplurality of devices. The improved cases disclosed herein may or may notbe battery cases and may or may not include supplemental power sourcesas described in further details below.

While many of the examples herein are described with respect the mobilephones or smartphones, the apparatuses, techniques, and methodsdescribed herein are equally applicable to other types of electronicdevices, such as smart watches, and are not to be limited to mobilephones. Furthermore, various examples provided herein discuss theproviding, transfer, or delivery of power from one device to another.Other examples discuss the providing, provision, transfer, or deliveryof current from one device to another. It should be understood that nofunctional distinction is made in the apparatuses, techniques, andmethods disclosed herein with respect to delivering power or deliveringcurrent as the amount of power provided, transferred, and/or deliveredat a known voltage can be mathematically determined based on the amountof current provided, transferred, and/or delivered.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a protective case 100 foran electronic device 170 in accordance with the techniques andimprovements introduced herein.

Electronic device 170 may be a cellular phone, smartphone, mobilecommunication device, mobile computing device, portable computingdevice, tablet, phablet (phone/tablet), portable computer, personalvideo player, electronic media reader, audio player, handheld scanner,camera, GPS device, or electronic computing or communication device ofanother type, including combinations thereof. In one specific example,electronic device 170 may be an APPLE IPHONE. In another specificexample, electronic device 170 may be a SAMSUNG GALAXY phone.

Protective case 100 comprises any type of protective shell, cover,covering, enclosure, bumper, sheath, encasement, member, and/or acombination thereof used with the electronic device 170. Protective case100 may provide protection against forces or damaging elements such asshock, impact, dropping, puncture, dust, dirt, heat, cold, water, snow,rain, mud, fluids, chemicals, and/or other potentially damagingelements. In various instances, as described in further detail below,protective case 100 may be waterproof, watertight, and/orwater-resistant. In other examples, techniques disclosed herein mayimplemented in the form of a cover for electronic device 170 whichprovides some or all of the functions disclosed herein while havinglittle or no protective characteristics.

Protective case 100 may encase or cover electronic device 170 partiallyor fully. For example, in various configurations, protective case 100may attach, contact, or interface to only a single surface of electronicdevice 170 or may attach, contact, or interface with a plurality ofsurfaces of electronic device 170. In some configurations, protectivecase 100 may include a membrane positioned over an interactive controlpanel or a touch screen interface of electronic device 170 such thatinputs provided by a user on an outside surface of the membrane can bedetected by electronic device 170 through the membrane. In someconfigurations, a membrane may not be present. However, as described infurther detail below, even in instances where a membrane is not present,protective case 100 may still be waterproof or water-resistant whenelectronic device 170 is installed. This may be accomplished using oneor more gaskets, seals, sealing surfaces, and/or o-rings that seal orform a seal between protective case 100 and a surface of electronicdevice 170, such as at a perimeter of the touchscreen or the housing ofelectronic device 170. Such sealing may enable a remaining portion ofelectronic device 170 to be protected in a waterproof or water-resistantmanner even though a portion of electronic device 170, such as thetouchscreen, is directly exposed.

Protective case 100 may include one member, two member, or more membersto form a shell. Some of these members may be permanently attached toeach other and some of these members may be removably attachable to eachother for insertion and/or removal of electronic device 170 fromprotective case 100. In some situations, protective case 100 may be aone-piece case or a one-piece assembly into which electronic device 170snaps or slides. Protective case 100 may also include one or morecushion members, cushion layers, and/or cushion portions that areremovably attached or permanently attached to any combination of theone, two, or more members. Any portion of protective case 100 may bemade of any suitable material, including, but not limited to,polycarbonate (PC), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), nylon,fiberglass-filled nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ceramic,metallized ceramic, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, wood, carbonfiber, and/or any combination thereof. The techniques disclosed hereinare not to be limited to any particular type, structure, orconfiguration of the shell or case.

In various instances, protective case 100 may include a supplementalpower source (internal to protective case 100 and not visible in FIG. 1)that is capable of providing electrical power to electronic device 170.The term ‘supplemental’ power source is used in various instances toindicate that the protective case makes additional power available toelectronic device 170 rather than the power being ‘supplemental’relative to protective case 100 itself. In some configurations,protective case 100 includes an internal electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical interface (not visible in FIG. 1) for conducting theelectrical power from the supplemental power source of protective case100 to the installed electronic device 170.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front exploded view of protective case 100.Protective case 100 includes a front member 620 and a back member 640.Front member 620 includes a front surface and sides, such as side 624,which engage back member 640 to form a cavity into which an electronicdevice, such as electronic device 170, may be placed. Front member 620and back member 640 may partially or fully receive, encase, or enclosethe electronic device.

Front member 620 can be made of any suitable material, including, butnot limited to, polycarbonate (PC), high impact polystyrene (HIPS),nylon, fiberglass-filled nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ceramic,metallized ceramic, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, wood, carbonfiber, and/or any combination thereof.

Some or all of the features of the electronic device may be accessibleor usable while the electronic device is in protective case 100. Frontmember 620 includes opening 622 in the front surface of front member 620for accessing the installed electronic device. In one example, theelectronic device may have a touchscreen display and the user maydirectly access the touchscreen display of the electronic device throughopening 622 of front member 620 when the electronic device is inprotective case 100. Opening 622 may or may not be covered by amembrane, film, or skin (not shown). When no membrane, film, or skin ispresent, the user is able to directly touch the touchscreen displaythrough opening 622. If a membrane, film, or skin is included, it may besufficiently thin and sufficiently optically transparent to allow theuser to operate the touchscreen through the membrane in a manner similarto how the device would be operated if the membrane, skin, or film wasnot present and the user was touching the device directly. In otherwords, the membrane, film, or skin may have little or no effect on theoperation of the touchscreen by the user. The membrane, skin, or filmmay be included for purposes of protecting the display of the electronicdevice. In some situations, the membrane, skin, or film may be attachedto or adhered to the electronic device rather than to front member 620.Alternatively or in addition to protecting the touchscreen fromscratches or impact, the membrane, skin, or film may be included forsealing the protective case against elements such as, for example, dirt,water, snow, dust, or chemicals.

The membrane, film, or skin can be made of any suitable material thatpermits the user to interact with the display screen of the electronicdevice through the membrane. In one example, the membrane can be madefrom a thin layer of thermoplastic polycarbonate (e.g. LEXAN),polyvinylchloride, high-strength alkali-aluminosilicate thin sheet glass(e.g. GORILLA GLASS), urethane, silicon, polyethylene terephthalate(PET), or any other suitable material. The membrane can be formed usingany suitable manufacturing process, such as thermoforming, casting,stretching, heating, or injection molding. In one example, the membranecan include a thin, transparent, flexible layer of polyurethane, whichcan serve as a clear screen protector with desirable optical qualities(e.g. high transparency and low reflectivity). The membrane can have anysuitable thickness. In one example, the membrane can have a thickness ofabout 0.001-0.100, 0.001-0.050, 0.004-0.020, 0.005-0.015, or 0.005-0.010inches. The membrane can also have a micro-textured surface to reduceglare. The membrane can include an oleophobic surface coating on itsouter surface to minimize the appearance of fingerprints or oily smudgeson the membrane, thereby allowing the screen of the electronic device tobe clearly viewed through the membrane while reducing the possibility ofunwanted obstructions.

Front member 620 may also include one or more other apertures oropenings for accessing the electronic device. For example, an openingmay enable a user to access a switch or control on a side of theelectronic device when the electronic device is in protective case 100.One or more openings or apertures may exist on any side or surface offront member 620 or back member 640 for accessing a switch, control, orfeature of the electronic device. In various instances, one or more ofthe apertures or openings may be covered, such as with a flexible orsemi-flexible material , such as TPE, so as to make the aperturewatertight while still allowing access and/or control of the one or morecontrol features of the encased electronic device.

In some instances, in addition to apertures or openings, front member620 and/or back member 640 may include one or more button features, suchas button features 632, 634, and 636. These features enable a user tooperate a button or control of the electronic device inside theprotective cover without directly contacting the electronic device. Thebutton features may be implemented using a variety of devices orstructures.

In one example, button feature 632 is configured to engage a powerswitch of an electronic device. The button feature may be used to engageother types of switches of the electronic device. Button feature 632 maybe designed to flex inward with respect to front member 620 and towardthe inside of front member 620 when a user applies force to an outersurface of button feature 632, thereby permitting actuation of the powerswitch of the electronic device. Button feature 632 may be flexiblycoupled to front member 620 by a flexible hinge or beam. In someconfigurations, the flexible hinge may be formed using a differentmaterial than the primary material used to form front member 620. Duringmanufacturing, thin gates can be formed to permit flow of the secondmaterial to the area around button feature 632. The thin gates may beeasily be broken by actuating button feature 632 during a first use. Asa result, button feature 632 decouples entirely from front member 620and stays attached to the second material, where it can easily beactuated by the user. Other methods of manufacture and other methods offlexibly attaching button feature 632 to front member 620 are possible.For example in other configurations, button feature 632 may be formedfrom a same material as front member 620.

In contrast to button feature 632, button features 634 and 636 may bemovable to engage a button or control feature of the electronic deviceinside protective case 100 without being attached to front member 620 ina fixed manner. For example, button feature 634 and/or button feature636 may be a separate piece which is captured within constraint featuresof front member 620 such that the button feature freely moves relativeto front member 620, within a range of movement. In other words, buttonfeatures 634 and 636 may be loosely coupled to front member 620 to allowit to move enough relative to 620 to engage a button, switch, or controlfeature of an electronic device inside protective case 100. Thisconfiguration permits the button feature to move or be actuated withrespect to front member 620 while still being contained by front member620.

Button features 634 and 636 may be manufactured as a separate piece fromfront member 620 and have an interference fit with respect to an openingin front member 620 such that they are initially snapped or pushed intoplace with sufficient force to overcome the force of the constraintfeature and stay constrained after being pushed or forced into place.Alternately, as discussed above with respect to button feature 632,button feature 634 and/or 636 may be formed as part of front member 620with thin gates, which are broken upon initial use or post moldingprocessing and stay loosely coupled to protective case 100 within arange of movement afterward.

Back member 640 comprises an inner surface and one or more sides, suchas sides 644. Back member 640 couples with front member 620 to partiallyor fully capture, contain, encase, or enclose the electronic device.When inside protective case 100, the electronic device rests against theinner surface. Back member 640 may be made of any suitable material,including, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), high impactpolystyrene (HIPS), nylon, fiberglass-filled nylon, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), ceramic, metallized ceramic, aluminum, aluminumalloy, titanium, wood, carbon fiber, and/or any combination thereof.

The inner surface may also include one or more portions of a soft,compliant, cushioning, or compressible material to further protect theelectronic device from shock, scratching, impact, and/or vibration. Thematerial may also reduce movement and/or rattling of the electronicdevice inside protective case 100 by applying a force to the electronicdevice inside protective case 100 in response to being compressed whenthe electronic device is installed. The soft, compliant, cushioning, orcompressible material may comprise a single piece or multiple pieces andmay or may not be adhered to back member 640. In some configurations, aclosed cell or open cell foam material may be used. In otherconfigurations, other compliant materials such as rubber, TPE, silicone,or the like may be used. Soft, compliant, or compressible materials maybe attached to front member 620 in addition to or in place of backmember 640 for similar purposes. In some instances, one or more of thesematerials may be molded to, molded with, or comolded with one or moreportions of the case, such as in a single shot or double shot moldingprocess.

Front member 620 and back member 640 may be formed from materials havinga same color or may be formed from materials having different colors toproduce a contrast effect. In addition, one or more of front member 620and back member 640 may receive a surface treatment to provide adifferent texture or feel to the surface. In one example, one or more offront member 620 and back member 640 may be transparent, may besemi-transparent, may have transparent portions, or may be painted orcoated with a soft touch paint to provide a soft, velvet, leathery,and/or rubbery feel. The types of treatments, finishes, or coatings maygive the components increased grip, improved durability, improvedscratch resistance, improved resilience to fingerprints, and/or othercharacteristics. In another example, front member 620 and/or back member640 may include metallic components, may be coated with a metallicmaterial, or may include metallic particles for altering, changing,improving, and/or re-directing electromagnetic signal transmission orreception between the electronic device and an external device.

In some situations, back member 640 may also contain one or moreelectrical components for implementing power-related functions. Forexample, back member 640 may contain one or more of a battery, asupplemental power source, electrical components, electronic components,electromechanical components, a computer processor, and/or printedcircuit boards for implementing electrical, electronic, and/or powerfeatures. Back member 640 may comprise two or more structural componentsthat are permanently or semi-permanently attached to each other during amanufacturing or assembly process to contain or enclose any of thepower, electrical, electronic, or electromechanical components describedherein in a cavity of back member 640. In some configurations, theelectrical and/or electronic components may be permanently orsemi-permanently enclosed in a cavity such that they are not visible,not accessible, protected, and/or not easily accessible to a user.

Back member 640 may also contain an electrical connector, such aselectrical connector 654, for interfacing to an installed electronicdevice. In one example, electrical connector 654 may be an APPLELIGHTNING connector. In another example, electrical connector 654 may beUSB connector, a mini USB connector, a micro USB connector, a USB type Cconnector, another variety of USB connector, a cylindrical connector,and/or a proprietary connector. When an electronic device is insertedinto back member 640, electrical connector 654 may electromechanicallyinterface with an electrical interface or connector of the electronicdevice. When electronic device 170 is inserted or installed inprotective case 100, electronic device 170 is held in place as to stayengaged with electrical connector 654.

In addition to transmitting power to the electronic device, electricalconnector 654 may be used to transmit data to the electronic device,receive data from the electronic device, transmit messages to theelectronic device, receive messages from the electronic device, transmitcontrol signals to the electronic device, and/or receive control signalsfrom the electronic device. Electrical connector 654 may be used, amongother functions, to provide electrical power to the electronic devicefrom a battery contained inside protective case 100 and/or from a powersource or power supply external to protective case 100. Further,electrical connector 654 may contain circuitry or electrical components,other than electrical conductors, such as passive analog components,active analog components, passive digital components, and/or activedigital components. Electrical connector 654 may be attached toprotective case 100 in a fixed manner, may pivot in one or more axes, ormay be attached to a flexible cable that allows it to be attached toelectronic device 170 before electronic device 170 is fully insertedinto protective case 100.

Although the various electrical and electronic features and functionsdisclosed herein are primarily described as being included in backmember 640, some or all of the electrical components, includingelectrical connector 654, may be contained in front member 620. Inanother variation, the electrical components and/or features may bedistributed among front member 620 and back member 640. In addition, oneor more electrical interconnections may exist between front member 620and back member 640. It should be understood that any of the features,functions, or characteristics of protective case 100 may be implementedas a single piece case, sometimes also referred to as a one piece case,or may be implemented in a case having two or more structural or shellmembers.

Back member 640 may also contain one or more button features, such asbutton features 632, 634, and/or 636, depending on where buttons orcontrol features are located on electronic device 170. Variations ofprotective case 100 may have button features, openings, and/or otherfeatures in various locations on front member 620 and/or back member 640to correspond to locations of buttons, switches, control features,ports, cameras, displays, and/or other interfaces on a particular modelof electronic device.

Front member 620 and/or back member 640 may also contain other types ofopenings, such as opening 650, for a camera, camera flash, and/orrelated features of electronic device 170. Opening 650 allows thecamera, camera, flash, and/or related features of the electronic deviceto still be used even though the electronic device is enclosed withinprotective case 100. Opening 650 may be an open aperture between theinside and outside of protective case 100 or may be covered with anoptically transparent, or nearly optically transparent, membrane, film,or lens that further protects the electronic device while permitting thecamera, camera flash, and/or related features to remain usable. Openingsmay exist in other locations on back member 640 and/or front member 620,to accommodate other features of the electronic device. Any of theopenings described herein may be covered with a membrane or othermaterial, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), to make the casewater-resistant or waterproof with respect to that opening.

Protective case 100 may also include a camera flash isolator (notpictured). When the electronic device is installed in the protectivecase 100, the camera flash isolator can be located between a camera anda flash on a back side surface of the electronic device. In one example,the camera flash isolator can include a foam layer adhered to the innersurface of back member 640. The foam layer can provide a light barrierbetween the camera and the flash and can extend from a back side surfaceof the electronic device. When a user takes a flash photo with theelectronic device, the camera flash isolator can prevent light emittedfrom the flash from reflecting off of the inner surfaces of protectivecase 100 toward the camera, where the reflected light could result inunwanted optical artifacts, aberrations, and/or blurriness in the imagecaptured by the electronic device.

Front member 620 and/or back member 640 may also contain features forchanneling, routing, guiding, and/or directing audio to/from theelectronic device when it is inside protective case 100. In one example,the electronic device may have a speaker and/or microphone along itsbottom edge. Back member 640 contains reliefs 659 that allow audioto/from the microphone/speaker to be routed toward the front of backmember rather than being blocked by the a seating surface of back member640 where the bottom of the electronic device rests. Reliefs 659 alignwith openings 639 of front member 620 when front member 620 is attachedto back member 640. Beneficially, audio is effectively routed to/fromthe front of protective case 100 from/to the electronic device eventhough the electronic device is partially or completely enclosed byprotective case 100. It should be understood that many otherconfigurations are possible for accomplishing similar audio effects andthe configuration may vary depending on the location of audio featureson the electronic device.

Front member 620 includes clasping features 626 along sides 624 forengaging clasping features 646 along sides 644 of back member 640.Clasping features 626 engage and/or mate with clasping features 646 toattach front member 620 to back member 640. The clasping features holdfront member 620 and back member 640 together until sufficient force isapplied to overcome the clasping features and non-destructively pullthem apart. Clasping features 624 and 646 may include any kind of clip,snap, fastener, latch, tab, cantilever snap joint, cantilever hook,compressive hook, torsion snap joint, annular snap joint, cylindricalsnap joint, bayonet finger, trap, ball and socket, lip, groove, finger,detent, and/or other permanent or semi-permanent retention mechanism forholding front member 620 and back member 640 together. It is desirableto have clasping features 626 and/or 646 within the outer surface offront member 620 and/or back member 640 such that protective case 100has a smooth, or nearly smooth, outer surface that can be easily slidinto a pocket, does not catch on clothing, and/or does not easilyscratch other items. A user may periodically desire to detach frontmember 620 from back member 640 to remove electronic device 170 fromprotective case 100.

While particular numbers, locations, and types of clasping mechanismsmay be illustrated in the figures, any number, location, or type ofclasping mechanisms may be placed along the perimeters of front member620 and back member 640. Clasping mechanisms may also be present on thetop and/or bottom edges of front member 620 and/or back member 640. Manyother clasping mechanism positions, orientations, combinations, and/orconfigurations are possible.

A gasket, o-ring, seal, and/or other sealing feature may also be usedbetween front member 620 and back member 640 to make protective case 100water-resistant or waterproof. A seal, gasket, sealing surface, and/oro-ring may extend around a perimeter of one or more of front member 620and back member 640 and be compressed when front member 620 and backmember 640 are attached together. Attachment of the clasping mechanismsmay maintain a compressive force on the gasket to achieve or improve thesealing effect.

In some instances, a seal or gasket may be a molded-in or comoldedfeature. In some configurations, one or both of front member 620 andback member 640 may contain an overmolded gasket. The overmolded gasketmay be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. In one example, a front membercan include a mating surface configured to mate against the overmoldedgasket when a back member is attached to the front member. The sealformed between the overmolded gasket and the mating surface can be awater-resistant or water-proof seal. During assembly, the mating surfacecan provide a compressive force against the overmolded gasket therebycompressing the overmolded gasket to create the seal. In someconfigurations, the overmolded gasket may include a groove locatedbetween the flexible sealing surface and an inner gasket portion. Thegroove can permit flexing of the flexible sealing surface duringassembly to provide a water-resistant or water-proof seal between theflexible sealing surface and the sealing surface. In someconfigurations, the inner gasket portion may not seal against thesealing surface of the front portion. Instead, the inner gasket portionmay improve manufacturability of the overmolded gasket. The inner gasketportion can also enhance adhesion between the overmolded gasket and theinner back surface of the back portion due to the greater contact areabetween the overmolded gasket and the inner back surface. Consequently,the inner gasket portion may enhance durability and longevity of theovermolded gasket. In some situations, a formed-in-place gasket may becreated on one or more portions of the case.

In the case of water-resistant or water-proof applications, one or moreof the openings or apertures discussed herein may be covered with amaterial that allows sound and/or air to pass between the outside ofprotective case 100 and the inside of protective case 100 whilemaintaining the water-resistant or water-proof characteristics of thecase (e.g., GORE-TEX).

In addition, one or more of the openings or apertures discussed hereinmay be covered with a plug, port cover, door, and/or bung to protectagainst water, snow, dust, or other elements when the aperture oropening is not in use. In one example, the port cover can be configuredto cover and seal an opening in either the front member or the backmember. The port cover may include a gasket or o-ring configured to sealagainst a surface of the opening to provide a water-resistant orwater-proof seal when the port cover is in a closed position. When in anopen position, the port cover can provide access to features of thepersonal electronic device through the opening. In one example, the portcover can be attached to the case by inserting a feature of the portcover into a slot in the front or back member. The port cover caninclude a hinge to permit flexing of the first port cover during openingand closing. In one example, the hinge can be a portion of the portcover having a relatively thinner cross-sectional area than adjacentportions of the port cover allowing it to flex away from the portopening. The port cover may be inserted into the opening by pressing itinto the opening. The port cover may stay in place as a result of a snugfit with the opening or an interference opening. In another example, theport cover may be a bung that is threaded into either the front memberor the back member to cover an opening. The opening and the bung mayhave a gasket and seating surface that meet to seal the opening when thebung is screwed into place. The bung may also contain a tether to theprotective case or to a cable or adapter such that the bung is notmisplaced when not in use.

In some configurations, one or more of front member 620 and/or backmember 640 may each include a first layer and a second layer. In oneexample, the second layer can be overmolded onto the first layer. Thefirst layer can be made of a relatively hard material and the secondlayer can be a relatively soft material. The first layer can be made ofany suitable material, including, but not limited to, polycarbonate(PC), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), nylon, fiberglass-filled nylon,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ceramic, metalized ceramic, aluminum,aluminum alloy, titanium, wood, carbon fiber, or any combinationthereof. The second layer can be made of any suitable material, such asa thermoplastic elastomer. The first layer can bolster the structuralrigidity of the case to enable the case to withstand a moderate dropwithout experiencing significant physical deformation upon impact,thereby ensuring that unwanted separation of the front member and theback member does not occur at impact. Separation is undesirable, sincethe electronic device will typically exit the cavity of the case andthen be unprotected and vulnerable to scratching, shattering, or waterdamage as it makes direct contact with the ground or water.

The second layer can be made of a relatively soft but durable materialthat dampens, absorbs, and/or dissipates impact energy associated with amoderate drop, thereby reducing the magnitude of shock or impact forcestransmitted to the electronic device housed inside the protective caseat a moment of impact and/or shortly thereafter.

Front member 620 and/or back member 640 can include a plurality ofrelatively soft protrusions on their inner surfaces. The protrusions canimprove the fit of the electronic device within the cavity. For example,respective protrusions can compress toward the inner surfaces of thecavity when the electronic device is installed in the cavity, therebytaking up any gap between the device and the inner surfaces of thecavity. This approach may permit the cavity to be manufactured with atolerance that is less restrictive than a tolerance that would berequired if the cavity were required to fit snugly around the electronicdevice. This approach may also reduce manufacturing costs since a higherpercentage of manufactured components may meet design specifications,thereby reducing the number of rejected parts and/or reducing waste inthe manufacturing process(es).

In addition to manufacturing considerations, the protrusions may isolatethe electronic device from the inner surfaces of the cavity. As aresult, an air gap is provided around the side surfaces of theelectronic device. The air gap may prevent impact forces from beingtransmitted directly from the first layer to the electronic device. Theair gap may also prevent side surfaces of the electronic device frombecoming marred as a result of frequent contact and minor positionalshifting relative to the harder and less forgiving surfaces of thecavity. Consequently, degradation of the exterior surface of theelectronic device over time is reduced. In addition, the protrusions mayreduce the tendency for vibrations or movement to occur between theelectronic device and hard surfaces of the case such as, for example,form handling of the device or when audio is being produced by a speakerof the electronic device.

It should be understood that many of the features of protective case 100illustrated in FIG. 2 are optional and that the techniques disclosedherein may be implemented in many different types of cases, protectivecases, covers, protective covers, encasements, and/or protectiveencasements.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of electronic device 170. Electronicdevice 170 includes an electrical interface 172 for interfacing orelectrically connecting with electrical connector 654 when electronicdevice 170 is inserted into protective case 100. Electrical interface172 may include a USB connector, a mini USB connector, a micro USBconnector, a USB type C connector, an APPLE LIGHTNING connector, aproprietary connector, and/or another type of connector. Electricalinterface 172 may be located on any surface or side of electronic device170. Electronic device 170 may also include other features, such asmicrophone 176 and speaker 174. These other features may also be locatedon any other surface or side of electronic device 170.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of protective case 100. Protective case100 includes electrical connector 672. Electrical connector 672 mayinclude a USB connector, a mini USB connector, a micro USB connector, anAPPLE LIGHTNING connector, a proprietary connector, and/or another typeof connector. Electrical connector 672 may be located on any exteriorsurface or side of protective case 100. Protective case 100 alsoincludes another electrical connector, electrical connector 679.Electrical connector 679 may be a headphone jack, a headphone connector,a connector for another type of device, a 2.5 mm connector, a 3.5 mmconnector, a proprietary connector, and/or an electromechanicalconnector of another type. Electrical connector 679 may be located onany exterior surface or side of protective case 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of electrical features of protectivecase 100 with electronic device 170 installed. FIG. 5 illustrates theseelements in a functional manner rather than illustrating the actualphysical appearance of these elements. When electronic device 170 isinserted into or installed into protective case 100, electricalinterface 172 of electronic device 170 mates, engages, connects,electrically connects, and/or electrically interconnects with electricalconnector 654 of protective case 100 such that electrical signals and/orpower from electronic device 170 may be conducted or transferred betweenelectronic device 170 and electrical connector 654.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, electrical connector 654 is electricallyconnected to both electrical connector 672 and electrical connector 679of protective case 100. Electrical connector 672 and/or 679 may belocated or accessible at an external surface of protective case 100.Some of the electrical signals conducted through electrical connector654 from electronic device 170 are routed or conducted to electricalconnector 672, while other of the electrical signals are routed orconducted to electrical connector 679. It should be understood that thetechniques disclosed herein are also applicable in configurations inwhich there are additional quantities and/or types of electricalconnectors and/or interfaces.

Cases implemented using the techniques disclosed herein enable a user toutilize legacy devices or peripherals that may be compatible withelectrical connector 672 and/or electrical connector 679, even thoughelectronic device 170 may include a new type of interface, such aselectrical interface 172, that is not compatible (electrically,mechanically, or both) with those legacy devices. Protective case 100also enables these legacy devices to be used with an electronic device170 in which signals associated with multiple legacy connectors orinterfaces have been combined into a single connector or interface. Inone example, electrical interface 172 may contain both signals relatedto charging of electronic device 170 as well as audio signals. The powerrelated signals may be routed to electrical connector 672 while theaudio signals are routed to electrical connector 679. In anotherexample, electrical interface 172 may contain both data communicationsignals as well as audio signals. The data communication signals may berouted to electrical connector 672 while the audio signals are routed toelectrical connector 679. Other combinations of signal types and routingare possible.

While many of the examples herein are discussed with respect to power,data, or electrical signals being sent to or from one device or another,it should be understood that the techniques herein are equallyapplicable in situations where the power, data, or electrical signalsare being sent in the other direction and/or in both directions. Thetechniques include any combination of unidirectional and bidirectionalsignals. In one specific example, protective case 100 may enable a userto continue to utilize a legacy charger and legacy headphones with anelectronic device 170 in which those previously separate interfaces havebeen combined into a single electrical interface that is mechanicallyand/or electrically incompatible with the legacy devices.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of protective case 100 withelectronic device 170 installed. Relative to FIG. 5, FIG. 6 furtherincludes electrical circuitry 688. Electrical circuitry 688 may includeany combination of discrete components, integrated circuits, electricalconductors, passive analog components, active analog components, passivedigital components, active digital components, programmable devices, aprinted circuit board, a microcontroller, programmable logic, and/or acomputer processor. FIG. 5 illustrates signals conducted to/fromelectrical connectors 672 and 679 being conducted directly fromelectrical connector 654 through electrical conductors without any othermodification. While this may be suitable in some situations, in othersituations the combining of two or more legacy interfaces into a newinterface may necessitate electrical, protocol, or format changes to thesignals in addition to the mechanical reconfiguration of the connectors.

In the example of FIG. 6, some or all of the signals are processedthrough electrical circuitry 688 before being conducted or transmittedbetween electrical connector 654 and electrical connectors 672 and 679.Electrical circuitry 688 may perform one or more of many modificationsor adjustments to one or more of the signals including: signalconditioning, voltage step up, voltage step down, voltage scaling,threshold limiting, amplification, biasing, and/or filtering. Inaddition, electrical circuitry 688 may change the formatting, protocol,and/or configuration of any one or more of the signals. In addition,electrical circuitry 688 may combine, separate, multiplex, demultiplex,modulate, demodulate, interlace, interleave, reorder, encode, decode,change the timing of, change the sequence of, and/or authenticate any ofthe signals or combinations of the signals to convert the signalsbetween a format/protocol associated with electrical connector 654 and aformat/protocol associated with electrical connector 672 and/orelectrical connector 679. In other words, electrical circuitry 688translates, transforms, or converts, the signals between a formatassociated with electrical connector 654 and one or more formatsassociated with electrical connector 672 and/or 679 such that devices orperipherals compatible with electrical connectors 672 and/or 679 may beused with electronic device 170 even though they may not be directlycompatible with electrical interface 172.

Protective case 100 may comprise a protective shell, a first electricalconnector 654, a second electrical connector 672, and a third electricalconnector 679. The protective shell may be configured or adapted forreceiving electronic device 170 and covering at least a portion ofelectronic device 170 when electronic device 170 is installed inprotective case 100. The protective shell includes an interior surfaceand an exterior surface. First electrical connector 654 is on theinterior surface of the protective shell and may be configured oradapted for electrically connecting protective case 100 to electricalinterface 172 of electronic device 170 when electronic device 170 isinstalled in protective case 100. Second electrical connector 672 is onthe exterior surface of the protective shell and may be configured oradapted for electrically connecting a first external electrical deviceto installed electronic device 170 through electrical interface 172 ofinstalled electronic device 170. Second electrical connector 672 iselectrically connected to first electrical connector 654 throughelectrical circuitry 688 in protective case 100. Third electricalconnector 679 is at or accessible on the exterior surface of theprotective shell and may be configured or adapted for electricallyconnecting a second external electrical device to installed electronicdevice 170 through electrical interface 172 of installed electronicdevice 170. Third electrical connector 679 may be electrically connectedto first electrical connector 654 through electrical circuitry 688.

FIG. 7 illustrates a variation of protective case 100 that optionallyincludes power storage device 699. Power storage device 699 may includeone or more: rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, capacitors,supercapacitors, alkaline batteries, carbon-zinc batteries, nickel-metalhydride batteries, lithium batteries, lithium ion batteries, lithiumtitanate cells, and/or lithium polymer batteries. Power storage device699 can be included to make protective case 100 a battery case and/orprovide battery based functions in conjunction with the other techniquesand features disclosed herein. Power storage device 699 may be chargedor recharged using power received from an external device or powersource through one or more of electrical connector 672 and electricalconnector 679. Power storage device 699 may also be used to providepower to electronic device 170 or recharge electronic device 170 throughelectrical connector 654 and electrical interface 172 of electronicdevice 170.

In another variation, protective case 100 may include an inductive coilor other electrical circuitry for receiving electrical power wirelesslyand/or transferring that received power to electronic device 170 and/orto power storage device 699, if present. Power may be wirelesslyreceived through conventional induction, using resonant inductiontechniques, and/or using another type of wireless power transfertechnique, including combinations thereof.

While the examples herein describe power or current as being received,delivered, and/or transferred, it should be understood that variousadditional functions may be performed with respect to the transferredpower including power conditioning, voltage step up, voltage step down,current limiting, spike protection, surge protection, regulation, and/oroverload protection. In addition, although a particular device, element,or circuit is described as delivering or transferring current or power,the current or power may not be literally conducted through that device,element, or circuit. In other words, the device, element, or circuit maydirectly or indirectly control one or more other devices, elements, orcircuits that directly conduct the power or current.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate signals received at electrical connector 654 fromelectronic device 170 being separated or split out among two electricalconnectors on protective case 100. However, in some situations some ofthe signals received at electrical connector 654 may be directed to orthrough a wireless communication module. In other words, protective case100 may include a wireless communication module in place of one ofelectrical connectors 672 and 679, or in addition to electricalconnectors 672 and 679. Some of the electrical signals received atelectrical connector 654 may be directed to the wireless communicationmodule such that these signals are communicated from protective case 100to an external electrical device using one or more wireless techniques.The wireless connection may conform to one or more wirelesscommunication standards including WIFI, NFC, BLUETOOTH, and/or BLUETOOTHLOW ENERGY. The wireless communication may include data communications,electronic data communications, or any other electronic exchange of dataor information between devices, in one direction, in the otherdirection, or in both directions.

In another variation, wireless communication may also take place betweenprotective case 100 and electronic device 170 using any of the wirelesscommunication techniques or standards discussed herein. The wirelesscommunication may be in place of communication through electricalinterface 172 and electrical connector 654, or may be in addition to thecommunication through electrical interface 172 and electrical connector654.

The elements, components, and steps described herein are meant toexemplify some types of possibilities. In no way should theaforementioned examples limit the scope of the invention, as they areonly exemplary embodiments.

The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “inthe embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” “in some examples,” “inother examples,” “in some cases,” “in some situations,” “in oneconfiguration,” “in other situations,” “in another configuration,” andthe like generally mean that the particular technique, feature,structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in atleast one embodiment of the present invention and/or may be included inmore than one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, suchphrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or to differentembodiments.

The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. Other modifications and variations may be possible inview of the above teachings. The embodiments described in the foregoingdisclosure were chosen to explain the principles of the concept and itspractical application to enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the invention. It is intended that the claims be construed toinclude other alternative embodiments of the invention except as may belimited by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective case for use with an electronicdevice, the protective case comprising: a shell configured for coveringat least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic deviceis installed in the shell, the shell having an interior surface and anexterior surface; electrical circuitry contained in the shell; aninternal electrical connector accessible at the interior surface of theshell, the internal electrical connector configured for electricallyengaging an electrical port of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is installed in the shell; a first external electrical connectoraccessible at the exterior surface of the shell, the first externalelectrical connector configured for conducting first electrical signalsbetween a first external electrical device electrically connected to thefirst external electrical connector of the protective case and theinstalled electronic device, the first electrical signals conductedthrough the first external electrical connector, the electricalcircuitry, and the internal electrical connector; and a second externalelectrical connector accessible at the exterior surface of the shell,the second external electrical connector configured for conductingsecond electrical signals between the installed electronic device and asecond external electrical device electrically connected to the secondexternal electrical connector of the protective case, the secondelectrical signals conducted through the internal electrical connector,the electrical circuitry, and the second external electrical connector.2. The protective case of claim 1 wherein each of the first electricalsignals and the second electrical signals includes one or more ofunidirectional electrical signals and bidirectional electrical signals.3. The protective case of claim 1 wherein each of the first electricalsignals and the second electrical signals includes one or more ofdigital data signals and electrical power.
 4. The protective case ofclaim 1 wherein the electronic device is a smartphone, the firstexternal electrical connector includes a headphone jack, the firstexternal electrical device includes an audio device, and the firstelectrical signals include audio signals conducted from the installedsmartphone to the headphone jack.
 5. The protective case of claim 1wherein the electrical circuitry is configured to multiplex the firstelectrical signals from the first external electrical connector and thesecond electrical signals from the second external electrical connector.6. The protective case of claim 1 wherein the electrical circuitry isconfigured to demultiplex electrical signals received at the internalelectrical connector to produce the first electrical signals and thesecond electrical signals.
 7. The protective case of claim 1 wherein theelectrical circuitry includes one or more electrical conductors, one ormore digital electrical components, and one or more analog electricalcomponents.
 8. The protective case of claim 1 wherein the electricalcircuitry includes a computer processor.
 9. A case for use with aportable electronic device, the case comprising: a shell adapted forcovering at least a portion of a housing of the portable electronicdevice when the portable electronic device is inserted into the shell,the shell having at least an interior surface and an exterior surface;an internal electrical connector accessible at the interior surface ofthe shell, the internal electrical connector adapted for electricallyinterfacing to a port of the portable electronic device when theportable electronic device is inserted into the shell, the portaccessible at an exterior surface of the housing of the portableelectronic device; a first external electrical connector accessible atthe exterior surface of the shell, the first external electricalconnector adapted for conducting first electrical signals from theinserted portable electronic device through the internal electricalconnector of the case and through the first external electricalconnector of the case to a first external electrical device electricallyconnected to the first external electrical connector of the case; and asecond external electrical connector accessible at the exterior surfaceof the shell, the second external electrical connector adapted forconducting second electrical signals from a second external electricaldevice to the inserted portable electronic device through the secondexternal electrical connector of the case and through the internalelectrical connector of the case when the second external electricaldevice is electrically connected to the second external electricalconnector of the case.
 10. The case of claim 9 wherein the firstexternal electrical connector is further adapted for conducting thirdelectrical signals from the first external electrical device to theinserted portable electronic device through the first externalelectrical connector and through the internal electrical connector. 11.The case of claim 9 wherein the second external electrical connector isfurther adapted for conducting fourth electrical signals from theinserted portable electronic device through the internal electricalconnector and through the second external electrical connector to thesecond external electrical device.
 12. The case of claim 9 furthercomprising electrical circuitry adapted to conduct the first electricalsignals and the second electrical signals between the internalelectrical connector, the first external electrical connector, and thesecond external electrical connector.
 13. The case of claim 9 whereinthe first electrical signals include audio signals transmitted from theinserted portable electronic device.
 14. The case of claim 9 wherein thesecond electrical signals include electrical current for providingelectrical power to the inserted portable electronic device for chargingthe inserted portable electronic device.
 15. The case of claim 12further comprising a rechargeable battery electrically connected to theelectrical circuitry and adapted to provide stored electrical power fromthe rechargeable battery to the inserted portable electronic devicethrough the electrical circuitry and through the internal electricalconnector.
 16. The case of claim 9 wherein the protective shell includesa first shell portion and a second shell portion that removably attachesto the first shell portion to form a water resistant cavity forprotecting the portable electronic device.
 17. The case of claim 9further comprising a third external electrical connector accessible atthe exterior surface of the shell, the third external electricalconnector adapted for conducting third electrical signals to theinserted portable electronic device.
 18. The case of claim 12 furtherincluding a wireless communication module for conducting wirelesscommunications between the electrical circuitry and the portableelectronic device.
 19. A protective cover for an electronic device, theprotective cover comprising: a protective shell configured for coveringat least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic deviceis installed in the protective shell, the protective shell having aninterior and an exterior; electrical circuitry; an internal electricalconnector positioned on the interior of the protective shell such thatthe internal electrical connector is configured to electrically engagean electrical port on the electronic device when the electronic deviceis installed into the protective shell; a first external electricalconnector accessible at the exterior of the protective shell, the firstexternal electrical connector configured for establishing a firstelectrical connection with the installed electronic device through theelectrical circuitry of the protective shell; and a second externalelectrical connector accessible at the exterior of the protective shell,the second external electrical connector configured for establishing asecond electrical connection with the installed electronic devicethrough the electrical circuitry of the protective shell, wherein boththe first electrical connection and the second electrical connection arerouted through the internal electrical connector of the protective coverto the installed electronic device, and wherein the first externalelectrical connector conforms to a first industry standard interfacethat is different than a second industry standard interface of thesecond external electrical connector.
 20. The protective cover of claim19 wherein the first external electrical connector includes a headphonejack and the second electrical connector includes an interface forproviding at least one of electrical power and digital data to theinstalled electronic device.